New boat for Cadgwith fishermen in Cornwall Brett Jose Callum Hardwick

Less than four months after their livelihood sunk to the bottom of the sea, skipper Brett Jose and crew member Callum Hardwick sailed into Cadgwith on a new fishing boat.

Amid the celebrations, present in the minds of all watching was the day of November 12 last year, when the Lizard Lifeboat made one of their most difficult rescues in recent memory – saving two of their own crew after their fishing boat sunk.

With no time to issue a mayday call, an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) signal thankfully alerted Falmouth Coastguard, who were then able to notify the Lizard Lifeboat.

Speeding to the Crig-A-Tana's last known position, a red flare was spotted while en route and the crew were able to rescue Brett and Callum from their life raft.

Sadly, their fishing vessel Crig-A-Tana was lost to the sea, sinking too fast and too deep to be recovered.

A week after the sinking a Crowdfunder was set up to support both men while they endeavoured to restore their livelihood.

Donations poured in both locally and from further afield, and by the end of the 28-day fundraising an incredible £13,825 had been raised, with 346 people donating.

Now Brett and Callum have sailed their new boat, Sante Fe, into Cadgwith – on St Piran’s Day no less – to cheers and applause from those watching in the close-knit community.

The Sante Fe in all her glory (Image: Liane Jose-Carter / Facebook)

Brett told the Packet that while the Sante Fe had now been brought into the harbour, there was still some work to do before she could be taken out to sea to fish.

“We had to bring her from the boat yard to the cove to finish the works we needed to do,” he explained.

“I have been working on the boat for about six weeks now, flat out, and hopefully have only got a couple more until we are ready to start fishing,” added Brett, who said he was keen to thank everyone who had donated to the fundraising to make it possible, and to show them the result of their support.

Among those sending the pair congratulations and good wishes has been the Cadgwith Fishing Cove Trust, which posted: “They have worked incredibly hard (once again) to get this boat fitted out to suit cove life, alongside coming to terms with the loss of the Crig-A-Tana and the trauma of that day.

“We wish them all the very best wishes for a great season’s fishing and would, once again, like to thank everyone who supported the crowdfunding effort for them both last year.”

READ NEXT: New vets building could open in Helston if given go-ahead

Brett has also written about his gratitude on the Crowdfunder page, describing the day of the sinking as “something myself and my crewman Callum will never forget.”

He said: “It was a normal day for us, going about our usual business when suddenly she just didn't feel right and ultimately capsized without any warning.

“Thankfully the lifesaving equipment onboard did its job and Callum and I are both still here but it has been a shock, not just for us but also to our families, friends and the local community.

“We've been showered with supportive messages, offers of help and financial assistance which has been so incredibly appreciated. With this in mind I wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of the 346 people who donated to the Crowdfunder.

“I've read every comment that was left and can't believe how generous people have been, especially in the run up to Christmas and with the current economic pressures squeezing so many of us.

“I really am overwhelmed with the total that has been raised, none of this would be possible without people's generosity and my friends setting up the fundraiser - it was a complete surprise and I was rather emotional when I heard about it.”